Across the Ocean

Across The Ocean (2019) by Uma Kumarapuram and Nicole Donadio. An intercutting dual-narrative dramedy about two dreamers, made by two seeming dreamers making their directorial debut -sitting around nine thousand odd miles apart across two continents in their respective home countries- in India and the USA.

A genial coming of age indie with a dual storyline centered on two women, from India and the USA respectively, told in a mutually exclusive approach. From Kerala, we have Nila, who's obsessed with her fascination for relocating herself to the USA. And from America, we have Holly, who's constantly intrigued about India. Both of them works in the IT sector and both of them have their own kind of cultural and personal odds to fight before realizing their respective destinations.

It may have not broken any new grounds in terms of storytelling and yet it makes for a pleasant laid-back watch, especially for how the two protagonists are fleshed out with moments that you can identify from the lives around us. And it hardly meanders in its proceedings with an aptly clocked eighty minutes running time as well, while juxtaposing the contrasting scuffles of Nila and Holly. In the acting department, after her noteworthy presence in 'Hey Jude' (Malayalam), it's Apoorva Bose who impresses you the most here and shows yet again that she's a true natural -- while making the happy go lucky Nila so relatable.

A pick-me-up movie which depicting the self-journey of two women, Nila & Holly who are literally across the globe and oceans, have a quest to journey across to the opposite end of their world. It could or could not have any bearing on their future life but they are not afraid of taking that path. "Across the Ocean" is a movie of hope, rebellion and ultimately about self-love.

Since, I've been a sucker for "women telling - women stories," this movie could resonate with me on several layers. Where the American Holly is a professional woman with outwardly calm, suave, and zen like person, while her Indian counterpart Nila is without any professional ambition but to reach America. Nila is also tempestuous, impulsive and a funny kind of selfish(if that is a character trait) girl. But what make us read them together on the same page is when we see their single mindedness of reaching their goal amid all their protestations from the family, friends and self doubts. The main leads of this movie - Anna Jaller as a very convincing Holly, and the charming Apoorva Bose as Nila did an excellent job with a bright supporting cast.

Being a crowd-funded movie, shot on two continent, it's amazing how two women being as different in their upbringing and thoughts could think in same way. The director duo Nicole Donadio & Uma Kumarapuram showcases how language, culture and geography is no barrier in story-telling and how all women have the same language for life.

This movie provides hope for future independent cinema making for a lot of budding film-makers.

Nothing deep, serious, heart-wrenching, mind-shattering in here. But a pleasant afternoon watch, with a cup of whatever you like, in a lounge chair on a weekend or holiday. The movie manages to make one smile as it progresses with the lives of the two girls trying hard to get what they want. Some instances are extremely relatable, like parents' reaction etc. Especially for an Indian household. And does make one think about what our childhood dreams were actually, when the movie is over.

And an extra star for making the heroines real, and not any innocent and doe-eyed, damsel-in-distress, suffering, manic-pixie-dream-girl, or whatever the trope that is usually seen these days in chick-flicks.

Very pleasant watch, extremely mood uplifting. Recommended- especially for young ladies.